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West Bend schools explore East-West co-ops for gymnastics and wrestling; no action taken
Summary
Athletic directors told the West Bend School Board that combining East and West high school gymnastics and wrestling programs into cooperative teams could address low participation and allow full JV/varsity rosters; the board treated the item as discussion and asked for further steps and a formal agreement to return for approval.
West Bend East and West high school athletic directors briefed the Board of Education on a proposed cooperative agreement that would combine gymnastics and wrestling rosters across the two high schools to address declining participation and improve competitive opportunities.
Administration described gymnastics as especially at risk for 2025—6 without a co-op because current participation numbers would not support both JV and varsity rosters. For wrestling, directors recommended a two-year cooperative cycle covering the 2025—6 and 2026—7 school years to ensure enough athletes to fill weight classes and boost competitive depth.
Athletic directors said they surveyed student athletes, coaches, and parents; they reported majority support among students and coaches for pursuing the co-op in both sports. Directors also said they met directly with athletes to surface concerns and to hear questions in their own language and perspective, which administrators said helped identify logistical issues early.
Key points noted by presenters and board members:
- The gymnastics co-op is recommended for the 2025—6 school year (renewable annually) to allow complete JV and varsity rosters and better competition; gymnastics may move into Division 1 because combined enrollment would raise classification.
- The wrestling co-op was recommended for a two-year cycle (2025—6 and 2026—7) to help fill all weight classes and to address declining numbers in youth feeder programs; wrestling playoff eligibility and competition structure would follow conference alignment.
- WIA co-op rules: the presenters noted that WIA co-ops generally do not allow cuts and that co-op teams remain playoff eligible; presenters said timeline and commissioner signatures are required before the WIA Board of Control finalizes approvals.
- Conference placement: gymnastics conference alignment is under discussion with North Shore and Greater Metro commissioners; wrestling would participate in the Glacier Trails Conference, where adjustments to football alignments were also described in the superintendent's report.
Board members asked about logistics and trade-offs, including uniform changes, travel, facility limitations (e.g., courts for other sports), and whether co-ops would always preclude cuts; presenters replied that WIA co-ops do not allow cuts and that administration would return with a formal cooperative agreement for board adoption if commissioners and the WIA Board of Control approve the plan.
Next steps: presenters said they will obtain signatures from relevant conference commissioners, pursue WIA approval, and, if all parties agree, return the cooperative agreement to the board for formal adoption.
Ending
The item was discussion only; board members voiced support for further development and asked administrators to return with a formal agreement for consideration.
